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In Mumbai, India, on Monday night, Vietnam only had 26 percent of the possession and three shots (one on goal) while Japan made 22 attempts (nine on goal) and 13 corners.
The Japanese dominated right from the start, but the excellence of keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh prevented them from scoring early.
Though the Vietnamese were disciplined in the back, Japan exploited the difference in size, going on to score all three goals from aerial situations.
In the 38th minute Hana Takahashi crossed into the box but Thanh could not gather it cleanly, allowing Yui Narumiya to tap in. The first half ended 1-0.
Five minutes into the second half, from a freekick on the left, Mina Tanaka got a header that eluded Thanh, hit the post and rebounded to Japanese captain Saki Kumagai for another easy tap-in.
Eight minutes later Japan scored again and from another set piece on the left flank. The ball found Narumiya again for her to complete a brace.
But after that the Vietnamese defense stayed focused and prevented further goals.
Vietnam play their last group C match against Myanmar on January 27. Both have lost their first two games, but Vietnam have conceded fewer goals and a draw will see them finish third and compete for a spot in the quarterfinals with third-placed teams from the other two groups.
Women's Asian Cup: Vietnam 0-3 Japan
